In thinking about this more since yesterday, I would agree with your comments.

From the way I see it, patient groups must make full disclosures about funding received. Unfortunately there is more coercion in this area than we would like to admit. It is never any good at all when Pharma can manipulate patient groups to go after governments on reimbursement issues that generally lead to higher taxes for most citizens. I am very much in favor of drug access for all who need it. I am very much opposed to exploiting patients and interfering with government processes that would work to negotiate fair drug prices for everyone.

Patient group leaders must realize their responsibility to make sure their actions do not interfere with governments ability to monitor and comment on drug prices and the drug approval process.

If patient groups do not maintain integrity, they will be of no help to either patients or the pharma industry.